About the Role:

 

The Chemical Commodity Manager is responsible for the management of the organization’s chemical spend portfolio. The role develops and executes sourcing strategies for a defined category of chemical products to ensure supply continuity, cost optimization, regulatory compliance, and alignment with broader business objectives. The position combines strategic sourcing expertise, technical product understanding, supplier relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration to support operational performance and innovation initiatives.

Responsibilities

Category Strategy Development 

• Develop and execute long-term sourcing strategies for assigned chemical categories, including solvents, resins, additives, and related materials.
• Analyze market trends, pricing dynamics, supply conditions, and industry developments to inform sourcing decisions.
• Identify and implement opportunities for cost savings, supplier consolidation, sustainability improvements, and product innovation.
• Monitor raw material markets and proactively assess impacts on procurement strategies and business operations.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to support business needs and sourcing objectives.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with key chemical suppliers and vendors.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance related to quality, delivery, service, compliance, and cost competitiveness.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives when needed.

Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation

• Lead sourcing activities including RFQs, RFPs, bid analysis, and supplier selection processes.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, commercial terms, and supply arrangements to achieve optimal value for the organization.
• Ensure competitive pricing while maintaining product quality, service expectations, and supply continuity.
• Support contract management activities and ensure compliance with negotiated agreements.

Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA, REACH, and related standards.
• Assess and mitigate supply chain risks including raw material shortages, geopolitical impacts, supplier disruptions, and market volatility.
• Develop contingency plans, dual-source strategies, and business continuity measures to reduce supply risk exposure.
• Maintain awareness of evolving regulatory and sustainability requirements impacting chemical sourcing and supply.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with manufacturing, R&D, quality, regulatory, operations, and sustainability teams to support business initiatives and operational goals.
• Provide supplier insights, market intelligence, and alternative material recommendations to support product development and innovation efforts.
• Align sourcing strategies with production requirements, inventory objectives, and long-term business priorities.
• Support cross-functional problem solving related to supply, quality, and material performance issues.

 

Cost & Performance Optimization

• Track, analyze, and report procurement KPIs including cost savings, inflation/deflation impacts, supplier performance, contract compliance, and service levels.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement efficiency, supplier performance, and total cost reduction.
• Evaluate total cost of ownership (TCO) to support strategic sourcing decisions beyond unit price considerations.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, inventory optimization, and working capital performance.

Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related business or technical field
• Advanced degree preferred
• Purchasing certification desired

Experience:

• Minimum eight (8) years of leadership/management experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Experience in the building and construction industry desired
• Experience in the insulation industry, including familiarity with insulation manufacturing products and processes preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn and understand, the building and construction industry
• Ability to communicate effectively throughout the organization
• Ability to make quick, thorough decisions
• Ability to motivate and energize a team to produce winning solutions
• Ability to partner with and support colleagues both internally and externally
• Ability to work hands-on in an industrial manufacturing environment, as well as in a corporate environment
• Ability to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability within the organization
• Ability to instill an environment of inclusion, where all employees feel that they can contribute and impact the company in a positive manner
• Ability to support employee retention and engagement to ensure a sustainable workforce
• Effective negotiation skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Follow-up skills
• Proactive in identifying areas of opportunity and suggesting ideas for improvement
• Effective public speaking and presentation skills
• Computer skills in MS Windows environment; proficient in Word, PowerPoint and Excel